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Functional electrical stimulation improves quality of life by reducing intermittent claudication
David G Embrey1, Gad Alon2, Brenna A Brandsma1
1MultiCare Institute for Research and Innovation, Tacoma, WA, USA.
International Journal of Cardiology
|June 10, 2017
Summary
Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) combined with walking significantly reduced ischemic pain and improved quality of life for patients with Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) and intermittent claudication. This approach offers a promising treatment for elderly individuals experiencing PAD symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Vascular Medicine
- Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation
Background:
- Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) and intermittent claudication (IC) significantly impair quality of life and physical function in the elderly.
- Current treatment options for IC may have limitations, necessitating exploration of novel therapeutic strategies.
- Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) has shown potential in improving muscle function and reducing pain in various conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) combined with walking in improving ischemic pain, walking distance, and quality of life in patients with intermittent claudication.
- To compare the outcomes of FES-assisted walking versus conventional walking in patients diagnosed with Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD).
Main Methods:
- A single-blind, randomized block, two-factorial design study.
- Participants diagnosed with PAD and IC (Ankle Brachial Index 0.4-0.9) were randomized into two groups: FES+Walk (N=13) and WALK (N=14).
- The FES+Walk group received FES to leg muscles during walking (1h/day, 6 days/week for 8 weeks), while the control group walked without FES. Both groups had an 8-week follow-up.
Main Results:
- The FES+Walk group demonstrated significant reductions in Perceived Pain Intensity (PPI) compared to the control group at both post-intervention (T1) and post-follow-up (T2) assessments (P<0.001).
- Significant improvements were observed in the PAD Quality of Life (PADQOL) questionnaire and the Intermittent Claudication Questionnaire (ICQ) for the FES+Walk group.
- No significant differences were found between groups in the Six-Minute Walk (6MW) test or the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test.
Conclusions:
- Combining Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) with walking provides a marked reduction in ischemic pain and enhances quality of life for individuals with PAD and intermittent claudication.
- FES-assisted walking represents a potentially effective and non-pharmacological treatment modality for managing symptoms in the elderly population suffering from PAD.
- Further research is warranted to explore the long-term effects and optimal parameters for FES application in PAD management.
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